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During the end of October, Angel City FC athlete Elizabeth Eddy made her initial online post in nearly two years. In it, she addressed reports that the National Women's Soccer League had discreetly abandoned its policy of inclusion for trans and intersex players, making the league's future stance unclear.

The following day, her opinion piece was shared in full by a different publication, providing wider attention.

“I'm concerned that without clarity about the league's intended participants, it will sacrifice its identity and its growth,” stated Eddy.

The article generally argued for a prohibition on trans athletes from the league to preserve “the fairness of women's sports.”

Examining the Actual Threat

It remains uncertain how Eddy thinks the NWSL's credibility has been damaged—either under its former policy that permitted trans athletes or its current lack of one. The organization, now in its 13th season, has developed a clear brand. It's highly competitive, commercially and culturally powerful, and an essential part of the worldwide women's soccer scene.

Its growth trajectory seems mostly strong—audience numbers have grown every season, and expansion to 16 teams is planned for 2026.

Analyzing the Data

Eddy references the Football Association's new prohibition on transgender athletes as a positive example. However, that restriction is thought to affect only 20 or so grassroots participants out of millions registered athletes. The effect in the US would likely be similarly negligible.

Two years ago, when the league's policy of inclusion took effect, there were a couple transgender athletes: one player and Kumi Yokoyama. They have both departed, and no out trans players presently play in the NWSL. On the current season's opening weekend, the NWSL celebrated its thousandth player. That's just two out trans players out of over 1,000 in the NWSL's existence.

Baseless Fears and Real Harm

The article is written as if there is a stream of trans players set to take over the league imminently. This is not the case. At present, there are no out trans players playing at a professional level in the United States. National laws explicitly prohibits trans players from participating in NCAA college soccer. Additionally, numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that transgender players have no inherent physical edge over cis athletes.

Without of out trans people, transphobic attacks have persisted along racial lines. When a club's Barbra Banda was awarded player of the year, she experienced a wave of online abuse. The NWSL was slow to respond in supporting their key athlete. Likewise, Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga and her sister have experienced comparable mistreatment.

“That article does not speak for this team in our dressing room,” team leader Sarah Gorden informed reporters. “We disagree with the things written for a multitude of causes, but mostly the undertones come across as transphobic and prejudiced as well.”

Other Urgent Issues Confronting the League

Even if one were to ignore these points and believe that trans inclusion represents a genuine issue for the NWSL, it's hard to see how it would surpass multiple of other issues that have actually blunted the league's momentum and affected its integrity.

• Employment standards for staff remain a concern. Several ex- club employees are suing the team and the NWSL, alleging bias based on race and ability, sexual harassment, and negligence to stop discrimination.
• Athlete welfare is a further area of concern. In May, a player Savy King collapsed on the pitch, requiring emergency medical treatment. On-field play resumed, despite players were visibly upset. The players' association called on the NWSL to review their medical protocols.
• Extreme weather protocols have additionally been challenged. During a broadcast match, the NWSL commissioner allegedly warned to fine a team over a dispute in hot weather policies.
• Financial competition from leagues abroad like the WSL is increasing, attracting top talent away from the league and country where they made their careers.

Transgender players did not factor into any one of these challenges. And it's unlikely they will, regardless of whether Eddy's suggestions come to pass.